Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days a week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment option.