Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time daily or several days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment option.