Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that might not have been able to be helped during the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish a highly effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better know what led to their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and people with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will need to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.