Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.