Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have triggered and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better know what led to their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.