Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who may not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.