Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped before, finish substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better determine what triggered their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.