Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time every day or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment choice.