Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or several days weekly. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.