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 allows for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days per week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a short history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For an individual with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehab alternative.