Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.