Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but could also help clients better determine what caused their drug use and how to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person should be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.