Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that might not have been able to be helped previously, finish substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.