Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.