Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and ways to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.