Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment choice.