Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who may not have been able to be helped in the past, end drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but could also help clients better determine what triggered their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.