Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab alternative.