Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment choice.