Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days each week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.