Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment option.