Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who may not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis may be 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 an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.