Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or several days each week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment option.