Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehab alternative.