Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that may possibly not have been capable of being helped previously, end drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth 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 determine what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often 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 appropriate medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.