Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, stop substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their drug abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.