Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services part-time daily or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment alternative.