Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may not have been able to be helped before, stop substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.