Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped before, stop substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their drug use and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with further rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.