Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to substance abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better determine what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include proper medical support along with further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.