Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days weekly. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.