Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities which offer rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.