Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time each day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs that provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab option.