Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days a week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs which offer rehab over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment choice.