Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.