Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People who choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time every day or a few days each week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed a more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehab facilities which provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment alternative.