Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time daily or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation choice.