Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what led to their drug abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with continued rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.