Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation 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 usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.