Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support along with further rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.