Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who may possibly not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the individual will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.