Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.