Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who may not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when 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 proper medical support along with continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.