Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would usually 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 significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or several days a week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.