Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may not have been able to be helped in the past, stop substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have prompted and led to their drug abuse problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support in addition to continued treatment services. Being clinically determined to have co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.