Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and take part in counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days per week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more thorough inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a brief history of drug use which is really a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment option.