Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that may not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but could also help clients better determine what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.