Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and the way to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support and also further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.