Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days a week. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.