Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab alternative.