Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better determine what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.