Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab option.