Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that might not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.