Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment you might ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab program. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or several days per week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehabilitation option.