Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with continued rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.