Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who may not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support and also further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.