Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better determine what caused their drug use and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.