Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab alternative.