Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment alternative.