Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of 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 without the commitment you might normally have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address significant substance abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will typically show up at meetings and be a part of counseling and rehabilitation services part-time every day or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have recently completed a far more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a brief history of drug use which is usually a really small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which provide treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment option.