Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who might not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual should be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.