Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment choice.