Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, stop substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse 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 may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support and also further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.