Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a far 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 really a really small number of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.