Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, end substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better know what triggered their drug use and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support in addition to further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.