Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically describes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that might not have been able to be helped previously, finish substance abuse by being accurately diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or treated incorrectly which may have triggered and resulted in their substance abuse issues. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better understand what caused their drug abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and individuals with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in an extensive aftercare program that might include proper medical support as well as continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply that the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many people with a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.