Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might not have been capable of being helped previously, put an end to substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support in addition to continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.