Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may not have been able to be helped before, stop substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support in addition to continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.