Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone that might possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which can include proper medical support in addition to further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.