Individuals who wish 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 rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.