Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time daily or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer treatment on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab choice.