Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who may not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.