Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment choice.