Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days weekly. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.