Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, stop drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but could also help clients better know what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.