Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support as well as further treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.