Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes 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 during the past, put an end to substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support and also further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.