Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might possibly not have been capable of being helped before, stop drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but will also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.