Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might not have been capable of being helped during the past, finish drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.