Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that may not have been able to be helped in the past, end substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support in addition to continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.