Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.