Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab alternative.