Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which offer treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab choice.