Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support in addition to continued treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.