Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who may not have been capable of being helped previously, end drug or alcohol abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support and also continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.