Dual diagnosis can be a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis might help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped during the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder may have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have prompted and resulted in their substance abuse problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not only helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and how to prevent it in the foreseeable future. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process when compared to a typical drug rehab program, and folks with a dual diagnosis might be required to take part in a substantial aftercare program which may include proper medical support in addition to continued treatment services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the person will have to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact many individuals who have a dual diagnosis experience much better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is employed.