Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and the way to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.