Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that might not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.