Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, stop drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.