Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, end substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support and also further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.