Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, stop drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better know what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support and also further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.