Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better determine what caused their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.