Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may not have been capable of being helped before, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with further rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.