Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might not have been able to be helped in the past, stop substance abuse by being accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better know what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support in addition to further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.