Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support along with further rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.