Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that might not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of 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 utilized.