Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might not have been capable of being helped previously, put an end to substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support and also further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.