Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time each day or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation choice.