Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days weekly. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab choice.