Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might not have been capable of being helped in the past, end substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better know what triggered their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support in addition to continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.