Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. People that decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days each week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, or someone with just a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small number of clients. For a person with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities which offer rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab option.