Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time each day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small number of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.