Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support and also continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.