Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time daily or a few days weekly. This can be very helpful for those who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.