Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically 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 during the past, end drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support as well as further rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are utilized.