Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment programs that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab alternative.