Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that may possibly not have been capable of being helped previously, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better know what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.