Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might not have been able to be helped previously, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but may also help clients better determine what caused their drug abuse and ways to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.