Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual should be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.