Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that may not have been able to be helped in the past, finish drug abuse by being accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when 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 might include appropriate medical support along with continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.