Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For a person with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.