Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who may not have been able to be helped previously, finish substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.