Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehab 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 treatment center. This doesn't always work in the rehabilitation client's favor however, specifically those clients who need to solve significant drug abuse issues. So even though an outpatient rehab may seem like an opportune option, it isn't for everybody. Those that choose an outpatient rehab will usually take part in meetings and be a part of therapy and rehabilitation services part-time each day or a few days each week. This is very helpful for those who have just completed a much more thorough inpatient or residential program as an effective aftercare or upkeep step, or for someone with only a short history of drug use which is usually a very small percentage of clients. For someone with more significant addiction and dependency problems, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs which provide rehabilitation on a long-term basis will probably be the more beneficial treatment option.