Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time every day or several days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.