Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who may not have been capable of being helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.