Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might not have been capable of being helped during the past, end drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better know what led to their drug abuse and ways to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also continued 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 actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.