Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment option.