Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis every day or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective treatment alternative.