Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders are present, and most typically denotes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help a person that may not have been capable of being helped during the past, finish substance abuse because they can be accurately diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or treated incorrectly that could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but may also help clients better determine what caused their drug abuse and ways to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis might be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't imply the person should be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in fact a lot of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative treatment solutions are employed.