Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time every day or a few days per week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment choice.