Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual 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 and also further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.