Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support in addition to further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.