Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab alternative.