Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment option.