Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation choice.