Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small number of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab alternative.