Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or several days weekly. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab option.