Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab if they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People who choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of substance 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 rehab facilities which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.