Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who may not have been able to be helped in the past, end substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with further treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.