Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who may possibly not have been capable of being helped before, end drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support in addition to further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.