Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to substance abuse by being accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better determine what caused their drug abuse and ways to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support and also further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.