Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone that might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, stop drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better know what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.