Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that might possibly not have been capable of being helped previously, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.