Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better determine what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.