Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.