Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that may not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better know what led to their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.