Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who may possibly not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.