Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time each day or several days weekly. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment option.