Individuals who wish to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time daily or a few days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For somebody with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment programs which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous treatment choice.