Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or a few days each week. This can be very helpful for many who have just completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab option.