Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days a week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.