Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance 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, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual should 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.