Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, end substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better determine what led to their drug use and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support and also continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.