Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that may possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, finish substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support in addition to continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.