Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to drug abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and resulted in their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support and also further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually many people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.