Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment alternative.