Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation choice.