Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who might not have been capable of being helped during the past, stop drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what triggered their drug use and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support and also further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.