Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.