Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis can help a person that might possibly not have been able to be helped in the past, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated which may have triggered and resulted in 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 may also help clients better understand what led to their substance abuse and how to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person will have to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.