Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that might not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.