Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time daily or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a far more complete 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 really small amount of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab choice.