Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone who might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but could also help clients better determine what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person must be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.