Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.