Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to participate in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address substantial substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time every day or a few days per week. This is often helpful for those who have recently completed an even more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a very small percentage of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities that provide treatment on a long-term basis will be the more beneficial rehab alternative.