Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab alternative.