Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which offer rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment choice.