Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab makes it possible for the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to in an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the treatment client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be a convenient possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who decide on an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and be a part of counseling and treatment services on a part-time basis every day or several days a week. This is often helpful for individuals who have recently completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or maintenance step, and for someone with only a short history of drug use which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab facilities that provide treatment over a long-term basis will be the more advantageous rehab choice.