Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.