Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days each week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.