Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who may possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, finish substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support and also continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.