Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days weekly. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment choice.