Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.