Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time every day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab choice.