Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who might not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have prompted and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but could also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.