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 an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, end drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but will also help clients better determine what triggered their drug abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.