Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment 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 rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time every day or a few days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.