Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals 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. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment option.