Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment alternative.