Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better determine what caused their drug use and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.