Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time every day or several days weekly. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment facilities which provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.