Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient option, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis each day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have just completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with just a short history of drug abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which offer rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective rehab option.