Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might not have been capable of being helped during the past, put an end to drug abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and led to their substance abuse issues. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient treatment course for them, but will also help clients better determine what caused their substance abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in an extensive aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person will have to be medicated for the rest of their lives either, and in fact many individuals with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.