Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who may possibly not have been capable of being helped previously, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.