Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.