Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.