Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help someone that may possibly not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and led to their drug abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but can also help clients better know what caused their substance abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and actually many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience much better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.