Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.