Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that might not have been capable of being helped during the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better determine what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.