Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time every day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities which offer rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.