Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped before, put an end to substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but could also help clients better determine what led to their substance 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 people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support in addition to continued treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.