Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that may not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.