Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who may possibly not have been able to be helped before, end drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better determine what led to their drug abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.