Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehabilitation client to take part in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. People that do choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis daily or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for those who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a really small amount of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers that provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment choice.