Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.