Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.