Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time each day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab alternative.