Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may not have been able to be helped previously, end substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support and also further treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.