Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment option.