Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should 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 you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment choice.