Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each 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 use which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.