Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or several days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment centers which offer rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab choice.