Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a very small amount of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab option.