Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might not have been capable of being helped previously, end drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality 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 understand what caused their drug use and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person should be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.