Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who might not have been able to be helped before, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better know what triggered their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with continued rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.