Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who may not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support and also continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.