Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.