Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.