Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that may not have been able to be helped previously, end drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.