Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently 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 really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment option.