Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.