Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who may not have been able to be helped before, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.