Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab allows for the rehab client to participate in treatment services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehab services on a part-time basis daily or a few days each week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug abuse which is really a very small number of clients. For someone with more severe addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehabilitation alternative.