Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support in addition to further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.