Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support and also continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.