Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a 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 rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.