Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, stop drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but will also help clients better understand what triggered their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in an extensive aftercare program that might include proper medical support and also further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.