Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, stop substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but can also help clients better determine what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support and also continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need 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.