Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may not have been able to be helped during the past, stop substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support and also continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.