Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, finish substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support in addition to continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.