Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This is helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab choice.