Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time each day or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab alternative.