Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who may possibly not have been able to be helped before, stop substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.