Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.