Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab alternative.