Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, stop substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.