Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who may not have been able to be helped during the past, finish substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just 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 in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support in addition to continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.