Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to participate in rehab services without the commitment you might ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to resolve substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically take part in meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time daily or several days per week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a much more extensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is really a really small percentage of clients. For a person with more serious drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous treatment option.