Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that may not have been capable of being helped before, end drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.