Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.