Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may not have been able to be helped in the past, stop substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better know what caused their drug use and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.