Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that may not have been capable of being helped before, end substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support and also continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.