Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment choice.