Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support and also continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.