Individuals who wish to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehab services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab centers which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more effective treatment alternative.