Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might not have been capable of being helped in the past, finish substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better know what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.