Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped previously, end substance abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.