Individuals who want to maintain a certain amount of flexibility in their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment you might usually have to consent to in an inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. This doesn't often work in the rehab client's favor however, specifically those individuals who need to address substantial drug abuse problems. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune option, it isn't for everyone. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will usually attend meetings and take part in therapy and treatment services part-time every day or a few days a week. This is helpful for individuals who have recently completed a far more complete inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small amount of clients. For an individual with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol treatment centers that provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more beneficial rehab alternative.