Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a short history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab alternative.