Dual diagnosis can be a situation in which two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help someone who may possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish a highly effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better know what led to their substance abuse and ways to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can 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 an extensive aftercare program which may include appropriate medical support in addition to continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in reality a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.