Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a more comprehensive 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 somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation choice.