Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who may possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.