Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who may not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better know what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.