Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better know what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.