Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may possibly not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.