Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities which provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.