Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment option.