Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who may not have been capable of being helped previously, put an end to substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and how 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 proper medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual must be medicated through out their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.