Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may not have been capable of being helped before, end drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but could also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part 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 mean that the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.