Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time each day or several days per week. 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, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.