Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.