Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who might possibly not have been able to be helped before, stop drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but could also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual should be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.