Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that might possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better determine what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.