Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.