Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to take part in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People 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 a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment alternative.