Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.