Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who may possibly not have been capable of being helped in the past, end drug or alcohol abuse by being correctly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the truth that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but could also help clients better know what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Handling dual diagnosis may be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as continued rehab services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are employed.