Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.