Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that may not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.