Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who may not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better determine what triggered 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 folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program that might include proper medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.