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 enables the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time each day or several days weekly. This is very helpful for those who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab choice.