Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities which offer rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment choice.