Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better know what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person should be medicated through out their lives either, and actually a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.