Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support along with continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.