Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time each day or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab choice.