Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab choice.