Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This is helpful for many who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab alternative.