Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment option.