Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.