Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, finish drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and ways to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.