Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who may not have been capable of being helped before, stop substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.