Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment option.