Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab option.