Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehab client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation programs which offer rehabilitation over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab choice.