Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.