Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or several days weekly. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment option.