Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped before, put an end to substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.