Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what led to their drug abuse and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.