Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may not have been able to be helped previously, stop drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better determine what triggered their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.