Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve significant substance abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis each day or several days each week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or upkeep step, and for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation centers which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment choice.