Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, finish drug abuse by being accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may 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 a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.