Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to solve significant substance abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. People that do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually show up at meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days weekly. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a really small amount of clients. For somebody with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug treatment programs which offer treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehabilitation alternative.