Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.