Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment alternative.