Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.