Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or several days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.