Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or several 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, and someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment alternative.