Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab choice.