Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who may possibly not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.