Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically 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 in the past, finish substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.