Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment option.