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 may help a person that might not have been able to be helped previously, end substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.