Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days weekly. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.