Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation 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 choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days weekly. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment option.