Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.