Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped before, finish substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and ways to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.