Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who might not have been able to be helped previously, end drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support in addition to further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.