Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support along with continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.