Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might not have been capable of being helped previously, stop drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the truth that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehabilitation services. Being clinically determined to have 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 much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.