Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that might not have been able to be helped before, finish substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.