Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.