Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person should be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.