Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days each week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more complete 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 really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.