Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, finish substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support along with further treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.