Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that might not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.