Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time daily or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.