Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that may not have been capable of being helped previously, put an end to substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support in addition to further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.