Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days a week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment choice.