Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time every day or several days weekly. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation choice.