Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support in addition to further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.