Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the treatment client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days a week. This is helpful for those who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facilities which offer rehab over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous treatment alternative.