Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and the way to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support along with further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.