Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help someone who might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but could also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.