Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, end drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better know what caused their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.