Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, end drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.