Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab choice.