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 a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, end substance abuse by being accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with further rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.