Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, stop drug abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better determine what caused their drug use and ways to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.