Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation choice.