Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when 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 usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or several days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab alternative.