Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help someone who might not have been capable of being helped before, put an end to substance abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but will also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support along with continued rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.