Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. This doesn't always work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant drug abuse problems. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like a convenient option, it isn't for everyone. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and be a part of therapy and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or a few days per week. This is very helpful for many who have recently completed a far more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, and someone with just a brief history of substance abuse which is really a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more severe drug abuse and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which offer treatment on a long-term basis will probably be the more advantageous rehab option.