Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped before, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as further treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.