Individuals who would like 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 allows for the rehab client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or several days a week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.