Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days weekly. This is helpful for those who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment option.