Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, stop substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but could also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.