Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment choice.