Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment option.