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 can help an individual who may not have been able to be helped during the past, stop drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.