Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time daily or several days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which offer rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment option.