Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have prompted and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support along with further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.