Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.