Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to substance abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have triggered and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program that might include proper medical support in addition to further rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the individual should be medicated through out their lives either, and in reality a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.