Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.