Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, finish drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.