Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days each week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment choice.