Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days each week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment option.