Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment option.