Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that may not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better know what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as further rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.