Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or several days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.