Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab option.