Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who might not have been capable of being helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better determine what led to their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.