Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support and also further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.