Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or several days each week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.