Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that may not have been capable of being helped during the past, end drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better determine what led to their drug use and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify 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 outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.