Dual diagnosis can be a situation 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 might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but could also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with continued rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.