Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab alternative.