Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to resolve substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or several days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small number of clients. For someone with more severe drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment alternative.