Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or several days per week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment option.