Dual diagnosis is a situation in which two independent disorders exist, and most often denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped before, finish drug abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly that may have triggered and resulted in their drug abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what led to their drug use and ways to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Handling dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support along with continued rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.