Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who might not have been capable of being helped during the past, end substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.