Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time each day or a few days per week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment choice.