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 might help an individual who might not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.