Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might not have been capable of being helped previously, stop substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better determine what caused their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.