Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the treatment client to participate in rehab services with the same commitment one would usually have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehab center. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to solve substantial substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those that do decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services part-time on a daily basis or a few days each week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.