Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.