Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment option.