Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who might not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better know what triggered their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.