Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time every day or several days per week. This is helpful for those who have recently completed an even more extensive 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 very small number of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities which provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.