Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that might not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person must be medicated for the rest of 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.