Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.