Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.