Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, stop drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely 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 in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.