Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program that might include proper medical support and also continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.