Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that might possibly not have been capable of being helped previously, finish drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.