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 makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or several days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more extensive 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 amount of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment choice.