Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days a week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab option.