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 will help someone that might not have been capable of being helped during the past, end drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support and also further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.