Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that may not have been capable of being helped previously, finish drug abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.