Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time each day or several days each week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment option.