Dual diagnosis is a situation whereby two independent disorders exist, and most typically describes a co-occurring drug or alcohol use and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis may help an individual who might not have been able to be helped previously, finish drug or alcohol abuse by being properly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder might have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that may have prompted and resulted in their drug or alcohol use issues. Establishing the truth that someone is certainly a dual diagnosis client not simply helps establish an effective course of treatment for them, but can also help clients better understand what caused their substance abuse and ways 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 may need to take part in a substantial aftercare program which can include appropriate medical support along with continued rehabilitation services. Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders doesn't mean that the individual should 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 treatment methods are utilized.