Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which offer rehab on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.