Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time every day or several days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment option.