Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days weekly. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment option.