Individuals who want to maintain some flexibility within their lives can engage in an outpatient rehab whenever they need treatment for substance abuse. Outpatient rehab enables the rehabilitation client to participate in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would normally have to agree to within an inpatient or residential drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant substance abuse issues. So although an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everyone. Those that do choose an outpatient rehab will typically attend meetings and be a part of therapy and rehab services on a part-time basis on a daily basis or a few days per 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, and someone with only a short history of substance abuse which is usually a very small amount of clients. For someone with more serious drug abuse and dependency issues, inpatient or residential drug and alcohol rehab centers that provide treatment on a long-term basis are going to be the more advantageous rehab alternative.