Individuals who want to maintain a lot of flexibility in their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in rehab services with the same commitment you might usually have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to resolve significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will generally take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time on a daily basis or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have just completed a more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small amount of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment option.