Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment alternative.