Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might not have been able to be helped during the past, finish substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better know what led to their drug use and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.