Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days a week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab alternative.