Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.