Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who may not have been capable of being helped previously, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have prompted and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient treatment course 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 can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and people who have a dual diagnosis might need to participate in an extensive aftercare program which might include appropriate medical support and also continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.