Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab option.