Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, stop drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better know what triggered their drug abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support and also continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.