Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might not have been able to be helped before, stop substance abuse by being accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better know what triggered their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.