Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab choice.