Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time every day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.