Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that might possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person should be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.