Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities which offer treatment on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.