Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who may possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, stop substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. 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 determine what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual must be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.