Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time each day or several days a week. This is helpful for those who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment option.