Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better know what led to their drug use and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with further treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.