Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, end drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and how to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.