Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in 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 rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.