Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that might not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better determine what caused their drug use and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.