Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who might not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include proper medical support in addition to further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.