Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who might not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better understand what caused their drug use and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate 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 for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.