Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days each week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab alternative.