Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab when they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.