Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who might not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can 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 fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.