Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might not have been able to be helped before, finish substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support in addition to continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual should be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.