Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that might not have been capable of being helped previously, put an end to substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support along with further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.