Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.