Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with continued treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.