Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment alternative.