Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days weekly. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab choice.