Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might not have been able to be helped previously, stop substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.