Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that may not have been able to be helped previously, end drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.