Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days weekly. This is helpful for those who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment option.