Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might not have been capable of being helped previously, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. 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 understand what caused their drug use and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.