Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or several days each week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehabilitation choice.