Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.