Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.