Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment choice.