Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that might not have been able to be helped before, finish substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.