Individuals who would like to maintain a lot of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would ordinarily have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facility. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address significant drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab may seem like an expedient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will generally show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers which offer rehab on a long-term basis will be the more effective treatment option.