Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days per week. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.