Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that may not have been capable of being helped previously, end drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with 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 much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.