Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, finish drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better know what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.