Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.