Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better know what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.