Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or several days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation choice.