Individuals who wish to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab client to participate in rehabilitation services with the same commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to solve significant substance abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an expedient option, it isn't for everybody. Those who do decide on an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services part-time on a daily basis or a few days a week. This is very helpful for individuals who have recently completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with just a brief history of drug abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more severe addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that provide treatment over a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial rehab choice.