Dual diagnosis is a circumstance whereby two independent disorders are present, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help a person that may not have been capable of being helped in the past, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be properly diagnosed and helped. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, not diagnosed at all, or mistreated that could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not merely helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but may also help clients better understand what triggered their drug abuse and the way to prevent it later on. Addressing dual diagnosis is often a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and individuals who have a dual diagnosis might be required to participate in a substantial aftercare program which might include proper medical support and also continued treatment services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the person must be medicated for the remainder of their lives either, and actually lots of people with a dual diagnosis experience far better results when treated holistically and when alternative therapy is utilized.