Individuals who want to maintain a lot 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 take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. 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 a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.