Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that might not have been capable of being helped previously, put an end to drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment plan for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.