Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab alternative.