Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped before, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.