Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might not have been capable of being helped before, finish substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but may also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support along with continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.