Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time each day or several days each week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.