Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time each day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation choice.