Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time each day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.