Dual diagnosis is a circumstance in which two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone that may not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better determine what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.