Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment alternative.