Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, finish substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better determine what triggered their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.