Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, stop substance abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support and also continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.