Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time every day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more comprehensive 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 amount of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.