Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab should they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days a week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment alternative.