Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days per week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment alternative.