Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual should be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.