Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or several days weekly. This is helpful for many who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab alternative.