Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehab centers which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more effective rehabilitation option.