Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time each day or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.