Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, stop drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.