Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within 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 address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People who do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services part-time daily or several days per week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small number of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which provide rehab over a long-term basis will be the more beneficial treatment option.