Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance in which two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that may have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Addressing dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program that might include appropriate medical support and also continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual should be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and actually many people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.