Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or several days each week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.