Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment program. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time each day or several days a week. This can be very helpful for individuals who have just completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with just a brief history of drug use which is really a very small number of clients. For an individual with more serious addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehabilitation option.