Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who may not have been able to be helped before, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support and also continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.