Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.