Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if 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 drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab option.