Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, stop drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which may have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their drug use and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support and also further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.