Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or several days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment alternative.