Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.