Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which provide rehab over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.