Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support and also continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.