Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or several days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which offer rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.