Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being accurately 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 drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better know what triggered their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.