Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or several days per week. This is often helpful for those who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation alternative.