Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might not have been able to be helped previously, stop substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better know what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.