Individuals who would like to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehab for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to take part in treatment services with the same commitment one would ordinarily have to agree to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab center. This doesn't often work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, particularly for those clients who need to address substantial drug abuse issues. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. People who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in therapy and rehabilitation services on a part-time basis daily or several days a week. This is often helpful for many who have just completed an even more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is really a really small number of clients. For a person with more serious addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug treatment centers that provide rehab on a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial treatment choice.