Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who may possibly not have been capable of being helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better know what led to their drug use and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.