Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment alternative.