Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.