Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who might not have been able to be helped previously, end substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.