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 might help someone who might not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.