Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, end drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what triggered their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.