Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that may not have been able to be helped during the past, finish substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify 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.