Dual diagnosis is 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 that may not have been able to be helped in the past, end drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better determine what triggered their drug use and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.