Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically denotes a co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help a person that may not have been able to be helped in the past, put an end to substance abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated which could have triggered and led to their substance abuse problems. Establishing the reality that someone is actually a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an effective treatment course for them, but could also help clients better know what caused their drug use and the way to prevent it down the road. Addressing dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than a typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support along with continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and in reality lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better outcomes when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.