Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree 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 substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab choice.