Dual diagnosis can be a circumstance whereby two independent disorders exist, and most often describes a co-occurring drug abuse and mental health disorder. A dual diagnosis will help an individual who might possibly not have been able to be helped previously, put an end to drug or alcohol abuse because they can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Their mental health disorder could have been misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or mistreated that could have triggered and led to their drug or alcohol use problems. Establishing the fact that someone is in fact a dual diagnosis client not just helps establish an efficient course of treatment for them, but will also help clients better know what triggered their substance abuse and the way to prevent it in the future. Handling dual diagnosis can be a more extensive process than the usual typical drug rehab program, and folks who have a dual diagnosis may need to participate in a substantial aftercare program which can include proper medical support as well as further rehab services. Being identified as having co-occurring disorders doesn't signify the individual will need to be medicated through out their lives either, and in fact lots of people who have a dual diagnosis experience more effective results when treated holistically and when alternative treatment methods are utilized.