Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.