Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or several days a week. This is helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab alternative.