Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days each week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of substance abuse 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 advantageous treatment alternative.