Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.