Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may not have been capable of being helped during the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process 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 proper medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.