Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who may possibly not have been capable of being helped previously, stop drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.