Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped before, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to 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 utilized.