Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.