Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in treatment services with the same commitment one would normally have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and take part in counseling and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment alternative.