Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may not have been capable of being helped during the past, finish substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and ways to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.