Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to 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 could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support and also continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.