Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab option.