Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but will also help clients better know what triggered their substance abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support and also further rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.