Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab alternative.