Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who might not have been capable of being helped previously, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support and also further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.