Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to 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 could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better determine what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with continued treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.