Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that may not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better know what led to their drug abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.