Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.