Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab 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 might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People who decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For an individual with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehabilitation choice.