Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment option.