Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services part-time every day or several days each week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab alternative.