Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab 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 in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab option.