Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time each day or several days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and 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 and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.