Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment choice.