Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.