Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days each week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.