Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who may not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, 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 simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better determine what triggered their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support along with continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.