Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, stop 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 could have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.