Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which offer treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment alternative.