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 enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for those who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance 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 rehabilitation centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab option.