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 may help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, stop drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support and also further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.