Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment option.