Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped before, end substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.