Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment choice.