Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days per week. This is helpful for those who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.