Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, end drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.