Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days weekly. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.