Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol 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 an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab alternative.