Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab alternative.