Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment alternative.