Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, stop substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.