Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might not have been able to be helped before, put an end to drug abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.