Dual diagnosis is 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 a person that may not have been able to be helped previously, stop substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support along with further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.