Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time each day or several days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.