Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support and also continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the rest 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 employed.