Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support in addition to further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.