Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who may not have been able to be helped during the past, 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 which may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but can also help clients better determine what caused their drug use and ways to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.