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 will help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.