Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab choice.