Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better determine what caused their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.