Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab alternative.